University of Nairobi students have been urged to seek mentors, coaches and develop soft skills if they want to succeed in life.

Speaking during the launch of the Skills Hunt Summit, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, thanked all alumni and industry partners for taking their time to develop students’ internship, mentorship and sponsorship programs and to couch students on leadership and soft skills in order to make them marketable and relevant in the cotemporary economy that is highly competitive and very dynamic.

Mr. Johnson Kinyua , Director, University Advancement also urged students to develop among other skills; complex problem solving skills, critical thinking, team player, creativity, active listening and communication skills. Johnson noted that these skills are the most sort after by employers.

Several speakers from the private sector, urged students on the importance of discovering their purpose, having character, integrity, developing their skills, talents, gifts to achieve success in life.

It was clear from the summit that getting a degree is good, but developing special skills opens doors.

Risper Mukoto, Centum Business Solutions, Managing Director, cautioned students against get rich quick schemes and stressed the importance of hard work, discovering one’s purpose in life, getting a mentor or a coach to continually challenge and guide. Students were told to engage in knowledge sharing with the world, enjoy and give back to the society, engage internships and industrial attachments. In doing so, they will get the much needed experience that is required by the employers.

Prof. Ruth Nduati, from the College of Health Sciences, observed that students don’t have to be gifted to succeed in life. Instead they need to work harder and put in 10,000 hours until their skills becomes part of their subconscious. She urged students to love what they do, fall in love with their chosen careers and contribute positively to the well-being of others.